Hi guys,
I'm currently on the third of my blood tests that you need when you start on Imuran (had it this morning and blacked out while the needle was in my arm, yay me) but the results from the first two have had me a little confused as according to my doctor they are 'something to keep an eye on' but she's not overly worried.
The first blood test brought back that I had ridiculous high white blood cell count - now, this could be because I'm still on corticosteroids, but also because I had a virus at the time the blood was taken. Still, it worried me a bit but the doctor, after discussing it with me, decided that there was nothing that needed to be done but said we had to monitor it as Imuran should be bringing my white blood cells DOWN. I reckon it was the steroids but I'm not a doctor so have no idea.
The second blood test brought back that I had low protein levels in my blood and I got a letter from the surgery saying that I needed to phone the doctor but it wasn't urgent, again, but going in today for the third blood test I discovered about the protein levels (haven't spoken to the doctor yet) and, idiot that I am, I asked Google what this could mean.
Now, according to Dr Wikipedia, whose diagnosis I take with a pinch of salt but can be useful for basic information, low protein levels can indicate any number of things. But the three that stuck out for me were potential liver problems, kidney problems and malabsorption of nutrients. And I know that Imuran can do weird stuff to your liver and kidneys so... yeah.
Has anyone else had their blood tests come back with similar things and should I be worried? I guess we'll wait and see what number three test brings back but I'm hoping these results aren't the start of something sinister as I am getting on so well with Imuran I don't want to switch to another drug!
Thanks
Cadenza ~
I'm currently on the third of my blood tests that you need when you start on Imuran (had it this morning and blacked out while the needle was in my arm, yay me) but the results from the first two have had me a little confused as according to my doctor they are 'something to keep an eye on' but she's not overly worried.
The first blood test brought back that I had ridiculous high white blood cell count - now, this could be because I'm still on corticosteroids, but also because I had a virus at the time the blood was taken. Still, it worried me a bit but the doctor, after discussing it with me, decided that there was nothing that needed to be done but said we had to monitor it as Imuran should be bringing my white blood cells DOWN. I reckon it was the steroids but I'm not a doctor so have no idea.
The second blood test brought back that I had low protein levels in my blood and I got a letter from the surgery saying that I needed to phone the doctor but it wasn't urgent, again, but going in today for the third blood test I discovered about the protein levels (haven't spoken to the doctor yet) and, idiot that I am, I asked Google what this could mean.
Now, according to Dr Wikipedia, whose diagnosis I take with a pinch of salt but can be useful for basic information, low protein levels can indicate any number of things. But the three that stuck out for me were potential liver problems, kidney problems and malabsorption of nutrients. And I know that Imuran can do weird stuff to your liver and kidneys so... yeah.
Has anyone else had their blood tests come back with similar things and should I be worried? I guess we'll wait and see what number three test brings back but I'm hoping these results aren't the start of something sinister as I am getting on so well with Imuran I don't want to switch to another drug!
Thanks
Cadenza ~